A great-grandmother, who drove for artillery officers during World War II, celebrated her 100th birthday in style with friends and family last week.

Still a skilled needleworker, knitter and crocheter, Phyllis Esslemont was born in Rotherick, Berkshire, on January 29, 1910.

Mrs Esslemont, who has two sisters aged 97 and 98, has always enjoyed life outdoors after growing up on a farm with five sisters and four brothers and is still able to identify most types flowers and plants.

Though she is not as able to get outside as she once was, she is an avid sports fan and closely follows the football and Formula 1 seasons.

After marrying her husband, Richard, at the end of World War II, Mrs Esslemont moved to Reading to start a family.

Later moving to Putney, Mrs Esslemont has two children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.